Our advice for driving a motorhome
Buckle up!
Drivers and passengers must wear seatbelts, whether they are travelling in the cabin or in the living space if it is equipped with one. Similarly, personal belongings and supplies must be stored in closed cupboards.
Suitable safety margin
Despite today’s sophisticated braking systems, inertia braking is still more significant in a motorhome than a car due to the weight-in-motion. Always keep a safe distance from the vehicles in front of you.
Make full use of your engine brake when driving downhill.
Watch out for the size
On country roads, be careful when you pass tractors, buses and other trucks. Slow down and move further to the left. Be extra vigilant when overtaking cyclists.
Keep the height of the vehicle in mind. In the mountains, think about overhanging roads, especially if you are travelling in a class A motorhome. Larger vehicles can catch on the road walls.
Driving in towns and villages requires great caution. Be aware of height bars that sometimes limit access. Also, take precautions before entering an old town with narrow streets.
On the motorway, beware of toll barriers. Certain lanes for cars sometimes have height bars.
Also watch out for low tree branches.
When overtaking and reversing, bear in mind the length of your motorhome. Some vehicles with a large overhang may have difficulty with parking manoeuvres on ferries.
Dealing with draughts
If you are driving a large class C or class A motorhome, you should compensate for the draughts generated when overtaking by moving the steering wheel slightly in the opposite direction.
Assess the terrain
When leaving the roads, do not underestimate the weight of your motorhome and assess the suitability of the terrain. Since most of the weight of a motorhome is concentrated at the rear, it is best to scout the terrain on foot to avoid wheel spin.
Good manners
Consider other vehicles so that the width of your motorhome does not hinder them. Keep to the left.
When travelling in a group, avoid queueing so as not to disrupt traffic.
Do not empty the black or grey water tanks while travelling. Only do this in the places reserved for this purpose and in a way that respects nature and environmental principles.
